The sun is the primary source of all life on Earth. This makes solar energy very useful for us in many ways.
Two primary forms of energy that the sun produces are light and heat. These can be harnessed for many purposes. These include photosynthesis, electricity generation with PV cells, and heating water and food.
What are some possible uses for solar energy? Let’s look at 39 common ways that sunlight can be used daily.
HOME SYSTEMS
A rooftop solar system can generate enough energy to power your HVAC and electricity needs.
SOLAR ELECTRICITY
In recent years, this solar energy application has significantly grown.
The cost of a solar panel is falling, and more people are aware of solar energy’s financial and environmental benefits, making solar electricity increasingly affordable. Only a small percentage of electricity produced in the U.S. ( 2.8% as of 2021), but solar electricity is rapidly growing.
Most technicians install distributed solar PV systems on the roofs of homes and businesses. These solar power systems produce electricity to offset property owners’ use and transmit excess production to the grid.
SOLAR BATTERIES & GENERATORS
An optional solar battery can be connected to your solar power system. This setup allows you to use solar power after sunset and provide backup battery energy for homes in an emergency. Some homeowners might go entirely off the grid with a battery and solar power system or a generator and solar power system.
SOLAR VENTILATION
Solar ventilation solutions like solar attic fans reduce your HVAC workload by cooling your home in the summer. This may be an option if you cannot install a solar PV system that completely offsets your home’s electricity consumption. The Solatube Solar Attic Fan is an innovative product.
The same technology is used in industrial applications. These technologies can heat a building’s interior in cold climates. This reduces energy consumption.
4.& 5. SOLAR WATER HEATING
Homeowners can also use solar energy to heat their water heaters. Hot-water or hot air system for heat homes.
HOT WATER SOLAR SYSTEMS
Solar collectors heat water or another fluid like antifreeze in hot water solar systems. Circulating pumps circulate the water through the collector to either a storage tank or heat exchanger, which provides immediate warmth.
Because liquid-based solar systems can be complex and large-scale, they are more often used by industries for commercial purposes. They are a good option for home heating.
HOT AIR SOLAR SYSTEMS
Hot air solar systems circulate air from the sun through your home.
Technicians often use these systems to design homes with excellent heat absorption materials. A circulating fan is used to distribute heated air. This is where solar energy comes in.
SOLAR-POWERED POMPS
A pump is required to circulate water in some of the heating systems. These pumps consume energy because your home’s electric power powers them. You were hoping to save this energy by installing a solar system.
You can avoid this problem by installing a solar-powered pump. This will also help you save more energy. A generator or battery can be installed to run your pumps 24 hours a day, regardless of the sun.
SOLAR HEATING TO YOUR SWIMMING POOL
Heating swimming pools is another popular solar energy application in the southwest and southern U.S. The system circulates water to a collector where it is heated by the sun. The heated water is then returned to the pool by the method.
The U.S. Department of Energy states that solar pool heating costs between $2,500 to $4,000 and a payback time of one to seven years is the most cost-effective way of using solar energy in many climates.
SOLAR HEATING IN YOUR HOT TUB
Solar hot tubs are similar to swimming pools. They work by using solar collectors.
It may surprise you to learn that solar energy can heat hot tubs. Solar vacuum tubes are so efficient that they can heat your hot tub all year. Flat plate panels are a good option for homeowners living in warmer climates. They don’t generate too much heat and can be avoided.
You may still require an auxiliary heater after sunset, so having your solar heater and existing heater work together is a good idea.
SOLAR LIGHTING
Image via Timo Newton-Syms on Flickr
You can use solar to power almost any kind of lighting.
SOLAR LANDSCAPE LUMINATION
Landscape lighting is the most common type of solar lighting.
Solar landscape lighting technology is affordable and readily available. You can find everything from basic to high-end designs from your local hardware shop to online shopping sites like Amazon.
These fixtures weren’t always the best, but LED technology has improved their lighting. Each lighting fixture provides sufficient lighting without the need for wiring. Each fixture comes with its own solar cell and rechargeable batteries, which can provide enough power to run your lights for the entire night.
SOLAR SECURITY LIGHTING
Solar lighting fixtures are so reliable, they can also be used for home security lighting.
Solar security lights are powered by batteries that can generate enough energy to power them for the entire night, just like landscape lighting. This is especially true for motion sensor options which store energy until you actually need it.
There are even options that can deliver up to 3500 lumens. This is enough light to brighten your outdoor space and provide safety for your family. You don’t have to worry about products breaking down due to the elements.
SOLAR HOLIDAY LIGHTS
You can use solar power to light your Christmas trees. Everyone’s budgets are tight this time of the year, so don’t let electricity prices to power Christmas lights cause financial stress!
Good Housekeeping reviewed the best solar Christmas lights in 2022. There are many options, from plain white string lights to unique shaped ones.
INDOOR SOLAR LIGHTING
You thought lighting had to go outside in order for the sun to light it?
These indoor solar lights have both individual solar cells as well as rechargeable batteries, just like outdoor solar lights. You can position the solar cells where they will get maximum sunlight exposure. This means that they are not always located in the same spot as the lighting fixture.
There are many options, from desk lamps and pendant lighting. The Solatube Skylight is an innovative indoor solar lighting option, which was featured on Mashable. It increases natural light and reduces energy consumption.
SOLAR APPLIANCES
Image via Wikipedia
Appliances that require low energy may be able to rely only on solar power for their power. Larger appliances like refrigerators and washers/dryers come in energy-efficient versions that are ideal for solar-powered homes.
SOLAR OVENS
Solar ovens (also known as solar cookers) are great for cooking when there is no power or camping, and can be used to reduce electricity costs. They are capable of capturing and storing the sun’s heat energy.
Think about your car’s windows being rolled up on a sunny day. The sun’s thermal energy is trapped in the windows, which heats the air inside. On really hot days, it’s no surprise that cars can feel like an oven.
There are many types of solar ovens available. You can easily make them with just a few simple materials. If DIY is not for you, you can buy one.
SOLAR COOLER
It’s time for you to get up-to-speed if you still have an ice-packed cooler with you when you go to the campground or park.
These coolers can be powered by solar energy. These coolers keep your food cool longer and prevent melted ice (or soggy sandwiches). Solar panels are used to generate energy for portable power stations that then transfer the energy to the cooler.
These are the six top options for solar-powered coolers. Five of them can also be used as freezers or refrigerators.